Description
Mediterranean-inspired ultimate weight loss salad blends crisp greens with lean proteins and nutrient-dense ingredients. Refreshing flavors and smart nutrition create a delightful meal that supports healthy lifestyle goals without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1/2 cup chickpeas or grilled chicken
Main Vegetables:
- 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, romaine, or kale)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 cucumber (sliced)
- 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 avocado (diced)
Toppings and Extras:
- 1/4 cup feta or goat cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin or sunflower seeds
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant vinaigrette by vigorously whisking lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and cracked pepper in a compact mixing vessel until smooth and fully emulsified.
- Select a generously sized culinary bowl and artfully layer mixed greens as the foundational element of the salad.
- Strategically scatter halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced cucumber rounds, finely diced red onion, creamy avocado cubes, crumbled cheese, and protein-rich chickpeas or tender grilled chicken across the leafy base.
- Elegantly cascade the prepared dressing over the salad components, gently tossing with culinary precision to ensure each ingredient receives a delicate coating.
- Enhance the textural profile by delicately sprinkling a handful of nutrient-dense pumpkin or sunflower seeds across the salad’s surface.
- For optimal freshness and flavor, serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours, preserving the salad’s crisp and vibrant essence.
Notes
- Whip up the dressing in advance and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days to save time and enhance flavor infusion.
- Swap grilled chicken with tofu, tempeh, or hard-boiled eggs for varied protein sources that suit different dietary preferences.
- Chop vegetables just before serving to preserve crispness and prevent nutrient loss from early cutting.
- Replace pumpkin or sunflower seeds with chia, hemp, or flax seeds for alternative omega-rich toppings that boost nutritional value.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 185 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg